Universal Kids Resort Frisco: guide to the new Texas theme park

Universal is bringing a brand-new kind of theme park to North Texas, one designed specifically for younger kids and families. This is our central hub with information on what’s coming to Universal Kids Resort.

Universal Kids Resort officially opened on July 1, 2026.

Important note: Universal Kids Theme Park will be closed during certain dates in November, December and January.

Universal Kids Resort renderings and guide

Where is Universal Kids Resort located?

Along a busy road in Frisco, Texas, this small resort combines themed lands, interactive attractions and an on-site hotel into a more approachable, family-focused experience than Universal’s traditional parks.

The project is a major shift for Universal Destinations & Experiences, introducing a smaller-scale park built for regional visitors rather than destination travelers. Many of the early photos and videos used on the Universal Kids Resort website are from DreamWorks Land since many of the attractions are similar to what is being produced in Texas.

Here’s everything we know about Universal Kids Resort, including lands, rides, entertainment and what families can expect.

Universal Kids Theme Park: Lands and themed areas

There are seven themed lands inside Universal Kids Theme Park:

DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp
DreamWorks’ TrollsFest
DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar
Isle of Curiosity
Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom
Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club
Jurassic World Adventure Camp

Universal’s new ‘Jurassic World’ theme park land | Rides, photos, and tips

Universal’s new “Jurassic World” theme park land opens later this year with family-friendly rides based on the popular film and television franchise.

Universal’s first ‘SpongeBob Squarepants’ land | Rides, concept art

Universal’s first “SpongeBob SquarePants” land opens in 2026 with rides and locations based on Nickelodeon’s flagship animated series.

DreamWorks’ TrollsFest at Universal Kids Resort: height requirements, activities and parent tips

At first glance, DreamWorks’ TrollsFest looks like a burst of glitter and color tucked inside Universal Kids Resort. But beneath the sparkles is something even more meaningful: a place where families are invited to sing, dance, play and celebrate together.

Minions vs. Minions at Universal Kids Resort: rides, play areas, and parent tips

A tropical Minion vacation quickly spirals into chaos at Universal Kids Resort. From splash-filled boat battles and spinning golf carts to interactive play spaces and character greetings, Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club may become one of the park’s most unforgettable family experiences.

Rides and attractions

All of the rides at Universal Kids Resort are outdoors. Most are impacted and closed due to inclement weather. And most rides spin quite a bit.

Ride reviews

Now that we have experienced Universal Kids Resort, we are compiling expert reviews for each of the rides. Here is what to know exactly what to expect and what’s worth your time.

(Review) I rode Jurassic World Cretaceous Coaster with my son: what parents should know

Jurassic World: Cretaceous Coaster is the biggest roller coaster at Universal Kids Resort, and we rode it with our 7-year-old to see if it lives up to the hype. Here’s our firsthand review, including the storyline, thrills, and who will enjoy it most.

(Review) Mr. DNA’s Double Helix Spin: Is Universal Kids Resort’s longest ride too much?

Mr. DNA’s Double Helix Spin is unlike any other ride at Universal Kids Resort, combining a Ferris wheel with a spinning double helix motion. We rode it with our 7-year-old to share what parents should know before climbing aboard.

(Review) Rhonda’s TrollsFest Express: is it a good first coaster for kids?

Rhonda’s TrollsFest Express is one of the most approachable roller coasters at Universal Kids Resort. After riding with my son, here’s why I think it’s an ideal first coaster—and a memorable first solo ride for many young kids.

(Review) Bello Bay Cruise: Universal Kids Resort’s biggest ride is also its wildest

Bello Bay Cruise is Universal Kids Resort’s signature raft ride, but parents should know it’s much more intense than its two small drops suggest. Here’s what to expect before boarding.

First ‘Shrek’ ride in the United States opening at new Universal theme park

Shrek & Fiona’s Happily Ogre After, the first “Shrek” ride in the U.S., will open at the new Universal Kids theme park near Dallas, Texas, in 2026.

Universal Kids Resort or Peppa Pig Theme Park? Which Texas park is right for your child?

Two Texas theme parks are designed specifically for younger children, but they serve different age groups. After visiting Universal Kids Resort and Peppa Pig Theme Park, here’s which park may be the better fit for your family.

Characters and entertainment

A theme park built just for kids is sure to have great entertainment and character meet & greets. Each land of the park has one designated character meet and greet spot, with DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar being the exception.

Families can meet Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants and Gabby from DreamWorks’ “Gabby’s Dollhouse.” And adventurous kids can meet Jurassic World dinosaurs!

DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp — Shrek, Princess Fiona
DreamWorks’ TrollsFest — Poppy, Branch
Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants — SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star, Sandy Cheeks
Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions — Vacation Minions, Evil Minion
Jurassic World Adventure Camp — Baby Blue and other baby dinosaur encounters
Isle of Curiosity (Gabby’s Dollhouse) — Gabby

Before your visit, take a look at this Universal Kids Resort coloring and activity book that Universal put together!

Universal Kids Resort features four live entertainment experiences spread across three lands. From dance parties to interactive concerts and a puppet show, these performances encourage kids to sing, dance, and participate throughout the day.

DreamWorks’ TrollsFest — King Trollex Techno Dance Party
DreamWorks’ TrollsFest — Trollstastic: Concert Countdown
DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar — Mama Luna’s Adopt a Kitty Day
Isle of Curiosity — Gabby’s Cat-Tastic Dance Party

Dining and snacks

Family fun requires fuel. Each land has at least one stand for snacks or treats. Each fully indoor quick service restaurant uses plastic plates and real silverware, inviting you to linger and rest a little.

Puss in Boots Del Mar has an indoor restaurant with comfortable seating and Latin-inspired eats. Jurassic World Cantina is one of the largest indoor dining locations serving rice bowls and lighter fare. SpongeBob SquarePants provides a real-life Goofy Goober’s with burgers, sandwiches, fries and a separate ice cream counter full of delicious ice cream creations. Lastly, TrollsFest has a casual outdoor, shaded pizza spot.

For a longer relaxing break, or to end your day once the park has closed, exit the park and walk a few steps to the Universal Kids Resort Hotel, home of the Curiosity Cafe. You’ll find a great menu of entrees (the Short Rib is a hit), pizzas, salads, desserts, and even a lounge. You do not have to be a guest of the hotel to visit.

This viral SpongeBob sundae might be an early hit at Universal Kids Resort

Before Universal Kids Resort has even opened its gates, one snack is already getting plenty of attention. The Triple Gooberberry Sunrise sundae brings SpongeBob’s Goofy Goober world to life with layers of ice cream, Dole Whip, Pop-Tart pieces and other toppings packed into a colorful souvenir cup.

Hotel and resort experience

The Universal Kids Resort Hotel is an integral part of the resort, offering close proximity to the theme park and a more streamlined experience for families traveling with younger children.

Universal Kids Resort hotel: what families can expect in Texas

As a place to stay and relax just steps away from the park, Universal Kids Resort Hotel was designed with families in mind. We’re sharing the details that make this a great destination for families with young kids.

Universal Kids Resort Hotel has thoughtful details, but a few features are missing

It’s the little things that often make a family vacation easier. Universal Kids Resort Hotel gets many of those details right, though a handful of missing features leave room for improvement.

Opening and construction timeline

Universal Kids Resort and its on-site hotel went under construction in Frisco, Texas, for about three years. Let’s look at the announcements and milestones of its development.

“Universal Kids Resort is a place where kids are accepted just as they are, free to dance, dream, and play without limits or judgment. For many, it will be the first time the worlds they’ve only seen on screen come vividly to life—moments that ignite creativity, confidence, and joy. It celebrates all the best parts of being a kid, the laughter, the curiosity, the courage to be unapologetically yourself, and in doing so, invites a new generation into the incredible thrills of Universal.”

– Brian Robinson, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer at Universal Creative